MOUTH (פֶּה, H7023, חֵכְ, H2674, גָּרﯴן, H1744; στόμα, G5125), the cavity at the beginning of the alimentary tract located between the jaws and leading into the pharynx (throat). It contains the teeth, gums, and tongue. Into it are poured the secretions of the salivary glands, namely, the parotid glands, the submaxillary glands and the sublingual glands. These secretions contain enzymes for digestion of food. The mouth contains the organs of taste. It also serves in mastication and impregnation of food with saliva, and in respiration, speech articulation, expectoration and sucking. One of the most astounding statements of fact presented to the writer as a medical student was that the mouth without exception is the dirtiest part of the human body. This is true for several reasons: (1) it is a recognized fact that it is impossible to sterilize the mouth with any mouthwash that does not destroy the lining tissues; (2) after brushing the teeth there always remain some bacteria and detritus on them; (3) the nutrients that go into the human mouth are good culture media for growing bacteria that are disease-producing in men; and (4) the saliva in the mouth tends to discourage the growth of all other bacteria except those which are disease producing in man. Illustrative of this is the observed fact that a human bite by inoculating bacteria esp. virulent for man, is usually the most serious type of infected wound with which the surgeon must deal. This constitutes a physical background to rationalize the startling statement of Christ to His disciples, “Those things which proceed out of the mouth...defile the man” (Matt 15:18). This is further expounded in Matthew 15:19, 20; Mark 7:15, 18-23; Romans 3:14 in regard to its application to the spiritual realm.

In addition, the word “mouth” is used fig. to refer to an entrance, such as cave’s mouth (Josh 10:27), grave’s mouth (Ps 141:7), sack’s mouth (Gen 42:27), and well’s mouth (29:10). It is used metaphorically to refer to the absolute sovereignty of God in the fiat of His words in judgment, as in the phrases “rod of his mouth” (Isa 11:4) and “out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword” (Rev 19:15).

Bibliography B. J. Anson, “Mouth,” EBr (1963), XV, 908; P. E. Adolph, Missionary Health Manual (1964), 126, 127.